Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Lifestyle Factors Among University Students in Al-Muthanna Provence, Iraq
Abstract
Overview: Increasing rates of obesity are being classed as a worldwide public health concern. The fast rate of urbanization and changing lifestyles in Iraq has exacerbated the growth of obesity. Many university students are at particular risk for obesity and overweight during their transition into higher education. During this time, many students become habitually sedentary, develop unhealthy eating habits, and irregular sleeping patterns. Very little data on the prevalence and characteristics of obesity among university students in Al-Muthanna are currently available.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity, along with other lifestyle variables, for students at two of Al-Muthanna Provence private universities.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 454 university students (males n=212; females n=242) between the ages of 18 and 26 years was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023 at two private universities in Al-Muthanna through stratified random sampling. The body mass indices (BMI) of all study participants were calculated using measured weights and heights. A validated self-administered Arabic questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle factors, including activity level, dietary practices, time spent using screens (with/without a TV), sleep duration, and tobacco use. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression.
Results: The total percentage of university students classified as overweight and/or obese was 43.3%, 25.8% overweight, and 17.4% obese. Males were significantly more likely to be classified as overweight than females (29.2% vs. 22.7%; p=0.031). In a multivariate analysis of university students who were obese, the following lifestyle variables were independent predictors of obesity: active vs. inactive lifestyle, frequent consumption of fast food, long duration spent using a screen, short amount of sleep, frequent consumption of sugar-based drinks, low consumption of fruit/vegetables, and not having breakfast. Tobacco use was not identified as significantly associated with obesity after adjustment.
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight affects almost half of university students in Al-Muthanna. Multiple modifiable lifestyle factors are independently associated with obesity among university students in this sample. Urgent, targeted, campus-based health promotion programs focused on dietary practices, physical activity levels, and screen use are needed.
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